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How Do I Export PCB from Altium?

Published in PCB Design Export 3 mins read

To export a PCB from Altium Designer, you primarily use an Outputjob file (.OutJob), which centralizes and manages various outputs for manufacturing, documentation, and collaboration.

Using an Outputjob file allows you to configure and generate multiple export formats consistently for your PCB design. Here's the general process:

Steps to Export Your PCB

  1. Open or Create an Outputjob File:

    • If you don't have one, add a new Outputjob file to your project (File > New > Outputjob).
    • If you already have one, open it from your Project panel.

  2. Add a New Export Output:

    • In the Outputjob file editor, you'll see different sections for various output types (Documentation Outputs, Manufacturing Outputs, Validation Outputs, Export Outputs).
    • Locate the Export Outputs section.
    • Click the [Add New Export Output] button or right-click in the section and select it from the context menu.

  3. Select the Export Type:

    • From the menu that appears, select an entry from the Save As/Export PCB menu. This menu lists various export formats available for your PCB design.

  4. Configure the Export Settings:

    • Once the export output is added (e.g., "Export - STEP 3D", "Export - PDF 3D"), double-click the added output entry.
    • This action opens the Save As / Export Output Setup dialog, which is specific to the format you selected.
    • In this dialog, you can choose the required format options, such as units, layers to export, version compatibility, precision, and file naming conventions.

  5. Save the Outputjob File:

    • Save the changes to your .OutJob file.

  6. Generate the Export:

    • In the Outputjob file, you can right-click on the specific export output you configured and select Generate selected outputs.
    • Alternatively, you can click the Generate outputs button in the ribbon to generate all enabled outputs in the file.
    • Altium Designer will then process your PCB design according to the settings and create the exported file(s) in the specified output path (configured in the Outputjob options).

Common PCB Export Formats

Altium Designer supports a wide range of export formats for different purposes:

  • Manufacturing:
    • Gerber (RS-274-X, X2) - Standard for fabrication data.
    • ODB++ - Intelligent manufacturing database.
    • IPC-2581 (DPM) - Another intelligent manufacturing standard.
  • Mechanical/Collaboration:
    • STEP (AP214, AP203) - For importing the 3D model of the PCB into mechanical CAD software.
    • PDF 3D - Interactive 3D view within a PDF document.
    • DXF/DWG - For transferring board outlines, component outlines, etc., to mechanical drafting tools.
  • Documentation/Sharing:
    • PDF - Standard document format for schematics, PCB prints, and reports.
    • Various Report formats (Bill of Materials, Component Cross Reference, etc.)

By utilizing the Outputjob file method as described, you gain precise control over the export process and ensure consistency for your design deliverables.

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